THIS RICE VARIETY IS CONSIDERED ‘ONE OF THE BEST GRAINS IN AYURVEDA’; HERE’S WHY
Njavara rice has been used extensively in Ayurveda not only as food but also as medicine. (Source: Freepik)
Rice has been an important part of Indian cuisine for centuries. There seem to have been around hundreds of varieties of rice. While you may be aware of white and brown rice, there also exists a variety called Navara or Njavara rice.
Talking about the rice variety, Dr Swathi Ramamurthy, head (research & development) at Herby Angel, said, “Njavara rice is a traditional variety of rice whose origin can be traced back to Kerala. The crop yields harvest within 60 days of sowing. Hence, it’s also known as Shastika Shali i.e., rice that grows in 60 days. It is unpolished rice, which is reddish brown in colour, and has been used extensively in Ayurveda, not only as food but also as medicine. It is considered as one of the traditional superfoods owing to its high nutritive values.”
Dr Rekha Radhamony, an Ayurveda doctor, highlighted the many benefits of Njavara rice. “Here is a drink that I give to my in-house patients every day at @adirekhaayurveda as a post-treatment drink for instantly improving energy levels and nourishment!” she wrote on Instagram.
One of the ways to consume Njavara rice is in the form of a drink. According to Dr Radhamony, we need to just wash the rice and cook it with three times water and boil it. As the rice becomes soft, strain the water, add Himalayan pink salt and a little crushed pepper for taste.
“Njavara rice or Navara rice is considered one of the best grains in Ayurveda (according to Charaka Samhita, a Sanskrit text on Ayurveda). This variety of rice imparts instant energy and nourishment to the body and all the dhatus (tissue systems) like blood, bones, muscles, reproductive tissue etc. It also balances all 3 doshas. This is great for people who are weak, thin and undernourished. Also good for people recovering from fever. Recommended for diabetic patients and pregnant women too!” she added.
Similarly, Dr Ramamurthy said the rice contains phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and flavonoids. “The presence of these has been related to their nourishing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and rejuvenating properties. Ayurveda recommends the consumption of this rice on a daily basis, as it is considered to be an appetizer, carminative and energy booster. In Ayurveda, it is also used to treat neuromuscular conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism and paralysis,” she added.
Further, Dr Ramamurthy said that in children with delayed milestones and developmental disorders due to birth injuries, this rice is processed with milk and a decoction of herbs and is used for fomentation.
Moreover, a molecular study conducted by a team of scientists from Kerala Agricultural University indicated the presence of a gene fragment encoding a protein that is reported to have anti-carcinogenic properties, especially against breast cancer.
Dr Ramamurthy said, “Ayurveda suggests this to be pathya (wholesome), something which can be consumed on a daily basis without any negative effects. This is one of the very few rice variants that can be consumed by everyone, including diabetics.”
However, Swathi, Senior Dietician, Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada said that individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should avoid consuming Njavara rice due to its gluten content. Additionally, diabetic individuals should consume this rice in moderation as it is high in carbohydrates and monitor their blood sugar levels, and anyone with known rice allergies or sensitivities should avoid consuming it.
Njavara rice can be included in your diet in various ways, according to Swathi. This includes:
In Ayurveda, it is also used to treat neuromuscular conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism and paralysis. (Source: Freepik)
*It can be cooked with water or milk to create a nourishing porridge, which can be sweetened with jaggery or honey and flavoured with spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
*It can be used to prepare a delicious rice pudding by cooking it with milk, sugar, and flavored with saffron and nuts.
*Njavara rice can be used as a substitute for regular rice in dishes like biryani, pulao, or risotto, adding a nutty flavor and unique texture.
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2023-07-20T14:10:58Z dg43tfdfdgfd